Pure Earth Peru continues to strengthen its collaboration with Peru’s Public Prosecutor’s Office to help prevent environmental risks and protect public health by enhancing technical capacities and promoting the exchange of specialized knowledge.
As part of this partnership, representatives from Pure Earth met with senior officials from the Public Prosecutor’s Office to review the progress of the joint initiatives both institutions are implementing in the areas of environmental protection and public health.
The meeting was attended by Attorney General Tomás Gálvez Villegas; Supreme Prosecutor Liz Patricia Benavides Vargas; the National Coordinators of the Specialized Environmental Prosecutors’ Offices (FEMA) and the Crime Prevention Prosecutors’ Offices, Frank Robert Almanza Altamirano and Alfonso Federico Barrenechea Cabrera, respectively; and Cynthia García Arcia, Manager of the Office of Projects and International Technical Cooperation (OPROCTI).
Representing Pure Earth were Natalia Machuca, Regional Programs Director for Latin America; Rodrigo Velarde, Country Director of Pure Earth Peru; and Carlos Cabrel, Lead Projects Coordinator.
This partnership is the result of a series of coordinated efforts that have steadily advanced over the past several months. Initial engagement was led by the Pure Earth Peru office with the goal of strengthening institutional capacities to address the risks associated with lead contamination. These efforts were further reinforced during the visit of Richard Reithinger, Pure Earth’s Global Vice President of Programs, who held high-level meetings with officials from the Public Prosecutor’s Office. Most recently, Natalia Machuca’s visit has helped further consolidate the partnership and define concrete actions to expand collaborative efforts for the benefit of the Peruvian population.
As part of this cooperation, Pure Earth Peru announced the donation of three X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzers, specialized technology capable of identifying and quantifying lead in a wide range of materials. These devices will strengthen preventive actions and support investigations related to environmental risks and their impacts on public health.
During the meeting, officials from the Public Prosecutor’s Office highlighted the importance of international cooperation in strengthening institutional capacities and expressed their appreciation for Pure Earth’s commitment to Peru and its efforts to protect both human health and the environment.
The visit also included a live demonstration of the technologies Pure Earth uses to detect lead in consumer products. Participants observed XRF testing on cookware, toys, and baby products to better understand how the technology can identify potential sources of lead exposure.
In addition, attendees learned about the LeadCare II system, a portable technology used to measure blood lead levels quickly and accurately. The demonstration showcased how the device can support the early identification of lead exposure. Together, these activities introduced prosecutors and public officials to innovative tools that strengthen prevention efforts and protect public health.
Through this strategic partnership, Pure Earth Peru and Peru’s Public Prosecutor’s Office reaffirm their commitment to advancing joint initiatives that protect the environment, safeguard public health, and strengthen institutional capacities to address the challenges posed by hazardous contaminants such as lead.
